Future Network Blueprints | National Grid ET

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation and is driving a transformation in the way we generate and consume energy. We’re connecting more clean power to the grid than ever before, while adapting our network and operations to deliver it safely and affordably.

To unlock the benefits of this energy transition, we need to think and act more strategically and collaboratively. That process starts with our Future Network Blueprints – a single and coordinated ‘best view’ of the work needed across different regions of our network in England and Wales to meet ambitious net zero targets.

A new lens on network development

Our Future Network Blueprints bring our stakeholders right into the heart of our network planning process. We’re examining, sharing and debating our plans with industry, and using digital visualisations to shape our future network based on that engagement.

With this new lens on network development, we’re building a live and accessible picture of how our infrastructure plans need to change, and where we can capture whole system opportunities. It’s helping us to make more coordinated decisions about when and how to upgrade the grid.

Regional and site-level insight

At a regional level, the focus in one area of the country might be on bulk electricity transmission from local renewable generation to where it’s consumed. Elsewhere it might be working with distribution networks on the complexities of increased electric vehicle charging.

Site-level priorities might focus on making best use of land and space around existing infrastructure to help accelerate connections, or where there are opportunities for us to implement environmental commitments such as our biodiversity net gain targets.

Our Future Network Blueprints’ digital visualisations are capturing this insight into a live picture of the network and how it will evolve over time. We’ve already identified that by 2035 we’ll need to upgrade around half of our existing transmission lines, and that in the same period over 90 of our more complex sites will benefit from further investment.

Engaging with our stakeholders

Close and ongoing engagement with our stakeholders is helping us

Three engineers wearing PPE looking at a drawing on the bonnet of a car

shape these plans. We’ve already begun to share and discuss them with network businesses, local councils and other stakeholders, which has helped to identify new opportunities for collaboration on network solutions.

Learn more about how we're engaging with stakeholders on our journey to net zero

Our conversations are already providing new perspectives from different sectors for us to consider as we develop our network plans to support the energy transition.

Collaborative, transparent discussion and decision-making is at the heart of our Future Network Blueprints. By thinking differently, and working closely with our stakeholders, we can transform our electricity transmission network to deliver net zero.